10 Tips for Handling Temper Tantrums

If there’s one thing all Long Island parents can agree on, it’s that temper tantrums can be one of the most difficult scenarios to address when it comes to young children. Quite often, we feel that there is more we can do as parents to limit these outbursts and regain a sense of control. Below are 10 Tips for Handling Temper Tantrums when it comes to your little one.

10 Ways To Handle Temper Tantrums

1. Remain Calm
Embarrassment, frustration, and disappointment are common emotions when watching your child act up. When you find yourself losing your cool, it may be best to give yourself time to relax before approaching your child. Taking a break from the situation will give the both of you time to address the issue with a clear head.

2. Don’t Give In

Many parents choose to appease their child simply to avoid the situation escalating, but this can be detrimental to his or her emotional development. Instead of going against your better judgment, repeat yourself sternly and remain calm.

3. Remember This is Normal

As humiliating as it can be to watch your child start screaming in the middle of the grocery store, it’s important to remind yourself that every parent has, or will one day be there. The important thing is to focus on your own behavior and how you react as the adult.

4. Don’t Always Resort to a Time-Out

Not every meltdown can be resolved with a Time-Out, so it is best to use judgment when determining if this is an appropriate solution. Remember that there are also many alternatives to the traditional Time-Out to consider as well.

5. Remain with Your Child

Do your best to remember that throwing a tantrum is your child’s attempt at expressing their emotions. Sometimes, ignoring him or her can cause both the situation and their behavior to worsen.

6. Validate His or Her Feelings

Although you should never validate bad behavior, it is important to acknowledge that your child has very strong feelings that they are experiencing. Allow your little one to understand that you recognize their emotions in a positive sense by saying something as simple as “I understand you’re upset,” or “When you’re ready to talk, I am here to listen.

7. Reduce Stress when Possible

The most crucial step to take to avoid tantrums altogether is to limit your child’s exposure to stress and anxiety when possible. Children that are overly tired or hungry are more prone to tantrums, as are kids that have been over-stimulated or experiencing major life changes.

8. Encourage Communication

It may be unrealistic to expect your child to be willing to talk immediately following a tantrum, but it’s helpful to make yourself available when they are. When the air has cleared, identify positive ways your child can communicate without resorting to a tantrum.

9. Be Consistent

The most important thing you can do, as hard as it may be, is to remain consistent when a tantrum happens. Although you may be tempted to yell one day and cry the next – this behavior is confusing to your child and can further anxiety. Be consistent with your reaction and do your best to stay even-tempered.

10. Be a Role Model with your Own Behavior

Keep in mind that your child will learn to react from situations by watching your behavior. Next time you’re angry or upset, take a deep breath and be attentive to how you react. By being a positive role model, your child will follow suit.